Top 100 - Art nouveau
Art nouveau : 100 oeuvres célèbres où les lignes font des arabesques
Mucha, Klimt, Toulouse-Lautrec, Toorop, Hodler, Redon et leurs voisins décoratifs : quand la ligne serpente avec une élégance très sûre d'elle.
L'Art nouveau aime les lignes qui poussent comme des tiges, les femmes hiératiques, les affiches théâtrales, les motifs végétaux et les compositions qui savent entrer dans une pièce sans demander où poser leur manteau. Dans ce Top 100, Mucha déploie ses arabesques publicitaires, Klimt fait scintiller la figure, Toulouse-Lautrec électrise l'affiche moderne, Toorop et Khnopff ajoutent du mystère, Hodler donne de la solennité au rythme, Redon ouvre la porte aux visions. Ici, même une typographie semble avoir pris le temps de se coiffer.
Why does Art Nouveau still captivate?
Art Nouveau was born at the end of the 19th century with a clear ambition: to unite art, posters, décor, books, architecture, and everyday objects within a single organic elegance. Curved lines refuse to stay neatly straight; they ripple, climb, echo one another, and transform into plants, hair, scrolls, or frames. It's a style that politely but absolutely refuses to leave a wall bare and sad.
Alphonse Mucha gives the movement some of its most recognizable imagery. His posters for Sarah Bernhardt, his elongated figures, his decorative halos, and his floral ornaments show a perfect alliance between commerce, theater, and refinement. Mucha proves that a poster can be popular without losing its flair—which remains good news for all walls that like to stand tall.
Gustav Klimt brings a different intensity: gold leaf, patterns, stylized bodies, sensuality, and frontality. The Kiss and the Viennese portraits blend decoration with psychological presence. For Klimt, ornament isn't an addition—it's a living material that surrounds, warms, and sometimes nearly swallows the figure. The pattern doesn't just decorate the scene; it negotiates power with it.
Toulouse-Lautrec, Chéret, Steinlen, Privat-Livemont, and Grasset give the poster a spectacular modernity. Cabarets, café-concerts, shows, newspapers, and brands become powerful graphic subjects. Art Nouveau quickly grasps that public imagery can be clever, funny, seductive, and memorable. In short, a poster can do far more than announce an evening: it can begin it before the doors even open.
The movement also has a more symbolist, mysterious, or spiritual side. Khnopff, Toorop, Redon, Schwabe, Munch, and Hodler work with silent figures, closed gazes, mental landscapes, and almost ritual compositions. The arabesque is then not merely decorative; it becomes a path toward the strange. The line knows how to smile, but it also knows how to keep a secret.
In a décor, Art Nouveau instantly brings grace. It works beautifully in an entryway, a bedroom, a living room, a creative office, or a hallway that's grown tired of being treated as a mere domestic tunnel. Its flowing, plant-like lines soften a room, its prints bring energy, and its figures lend a refined presence. One word of caution, though: a good arabesque quickly makes itself at home.
This Top brings together works where graphic elegance, decorative rhythm, stylized figures, and symbolist influences speak to one another. Some images come from poster art, others from painting or illustration—but they all share the same conviction: beauty can circulate everywhere, from the museum to the newspaper, from the theater to the parlor. And if a drawn flower looks better organized than your schedule, that's probably normal.
Ranking in pictures
#1
Gismonda
Gismonda highlights an essential quality of Art Nouveau: light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition strong enough to stay in memory after the first glance.
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#2
The Kiss
With The Kiss, Gustav Klimt gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#3
The Sin
Le Péché serves as a gateway into the world of Franz von Stuck—its palette, rhythm, and atmosphere harmonize so naturally that they draw you in.
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#4
The Cyclops
In Le Cyclope, the interest comes as much from the subject as from the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#5
The Cry
The Scream earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that shifts the mood of a wall.
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#6
The Night
With La Nuit, painting does more than simply represent: it sets a mood. Ferdinand Hodler leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#7
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I showcases an essential quality of art nouveau: light that circulates, a scene that breathes, and a composition strong enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#8
Jane Avril
With Jane Avril, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec gives the subject a genuine decorative presence without flattening it. The eye takes in the image first, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#9
The Caress
The Caresse serves as a doorway into the world of Fernand Khnopff: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere blend together so naturally that they invite the viewer to step closer.
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#10
Lucifer
In Lucifer, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it is portrayed. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#11
Closed Eyes
Les Yeux clos earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into an experience of looking. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#12
The Chosen One
With L'Élu, the painting doesn't merely seek to represent: it establishes an atmosphere. Ferdinand Hodler leaves enough space so that the work remains alive.
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#13
Judith I
Judith I showcases an essential quality of Art Nouveau: a light that circulates, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#14
Salome
With Salomé, Franz von Stuck gives the subject a genuine decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#15
Buddha
Bouddha serves as a gateway to Odilon Redon's universe: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with enough natural ease to make you want to draw closer.
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#16
Vampire
In Vampire, the appeal lies as much in the subject as in the way it is rendered. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#17
The Day
Le Jour earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into an experience of looking. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#18
Danaë
With Danaë, the painting doesn't merely seek to represent: it sets a mood. Gustav Klimt leaves enough breathing room for the work to remain alive.
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#19
The New Generation
The Nouvelle Génération showcases an essential quality of art nouveau: a light that circulates, a scene that breathes, and a composition strong enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#20
Apollo's Chariot
With Le Char d'Apollon, Odilon Redon gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image as a whole, then the details begin to speak to one another.
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#21
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The Dance of Life serves as a gateway into Edvard Munch's universe: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with such naturalness that you feel compelled to draw closer.
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#22
Reverie
In Rêverie, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it's painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#23
The Beethoven Frieze
The Beethoven Frise earns its place in this ranking because it transforms an identifiable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#24
Wounded Amazon
With Wounded Amazon, the painting doesn't just aim to represent—it sets a mood. Franz von Stuck leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#25
Ophelia
Ophélie highlights an essential quality of art nouveau: a light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition powerful enough to linger in memory long after the first glance.
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#26
Puberty
With Puberty, Edvard Munch gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You look at the image first, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#27
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life works as a gateway to Gustav Klimt's universe: its palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with such natural ease that it draws you in.
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#28
The Birth of Venus
In The Birth of Venus, the interest comes as much from the subject as from the way it is painted. The canvas retains this precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#29
Anxiety
Anxiety earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#30
The Woodcutter
With The Woodcutter, the painting doesn't merely aim to represent: it establishes an atmosphere. Ferdinand Hodler leaves enough breathing room within it for the work to remain alive.
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#31
Pallas Athéna
Pallas Athéna highlights an essential quality of Art Nouveau: light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to linger in memory long after the first glance.
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#32
Orpheus
With Orpheus, Franz von Stuck gives the subject a genuine decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#33
Separation
Séparation works as a gateway to Edvard Munch's universe: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with enough naturalness to make you want to draw closer.
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#34
At the Moulin Rouge
In Au Moulin Rouge, the appeal lies as much in the subject as in the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#35
The Gold Cell
The Gold Cell earns its place in this lineup because it transforms a recognizable scene into a true viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that shifts the entire mood of a wall.
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#36
The Kiss
#37
The Sacred Hour
L'Heure sacrée showcases an essential quality of Art Nouveau: light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#38
The Female Clown Cha-U-Kao
With La Clownesse Cha-U-Kao, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image as a whole, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#39
Flower vase
Vase of Flowers works as a gateway into the universe of Odilon Redon: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with enough naturalness to make you want to step closer.
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#40
Ashes
In Cendres, the appeal lies as much in the subject as in the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#41
Valentine Godé-Darel Ill
Valentine Godé-Darel's sick woman deserves its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#42
Water Snakes II
With Serpents d'eau II, the painting does more than depict—it sets a mood. Gustav Klimt leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#43
Lake Thun
Lac de Thoune showcases an essential quality of Art Nouveau: a light that flows through, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to linger in memory after the very first glance.
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#44
Summer
With Summer, Alphonse Mucha gives the subject a real decorative presence without flattening it. We first look at the image, then the details begin to converse with each other.
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#45
Fable
Fable works as a gateway into Gustav Klimt's universe: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere blend together naturally enough to make you want to come closer.
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#46
Clown
In Clown, the interest comes as much from the subject as from the way it is painted. The canvas retains this precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#47
Lumberjack
Bûcheron earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#48
Broek in Waterland
With Broek à Waterland, the painting doesn't merely aim to represent: it sets a mood. Jan Toorop leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#49
Icarus
Icare showcases an essential quality of Art Nouveau: light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition powerful enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#50
Kiss
With The Kiss, Edvard Munch gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image, then the details begin to speak to one another.
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#51
Lovers
Amantes serves as a gateway into the universe of Egon Schiele: the palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with enough naturalness to make you want to draw closer.
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#52
Portrait of Marguerite
In Portrait de Marguerite, the appeal lies as much in the subject as in the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#53
Wine
Vin earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#54
Little girl blowing out a candle.
With Girl Extinguishing a Candle, the painting aims for more than mere representation: it sets a mood. Stanisław Wyspiański leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#55
Zodiac
Zodiaque highlights an essential quality of Art Nouveau: a light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to linger in memory long after the first glance.
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#56
Close
With Farm, Gustav Klimt gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image as a whole, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#57
Alone
Seule functions as a gateway into the world of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: the palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together naturally enough to make you want to step closer.
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#58
The lumberjack
In The Woodcutter, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it's painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#59
Alsace
Alsace earns its place in this ranking because it turns a recognizable scene into a true viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that shifts the mood of a wall.
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#60
The Scream
With The Scream, the painting aims to do more than simply represent: it sets a mood. Edvard Munch leaves just enough room for the work to stay alive.
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#61
Interior
Interior highlights an essential quality of Art Nouveau: light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#62
Love
With Amour, Franz von Stuck gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image, then the details begin to speak to one another.
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#63
Self-portrait of the artist with his wife
The artist's self-portrait with his wife serves as a gateway into the world of Stanisław Wyspiański: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere blend with such natural ease that they invite you to step closer.
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#64
Spring
In Printemps, the appeal lies as much in the subject as in the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#65
Friends, I
Folks, it deserves its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#66
At the Bar
With Au Bar, the painting does not merely seek to represent: it sets a mood. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#67
The Lumberjack
The woodcutter highlights an essential quality of Art Nouveau: a light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to linger in the mind after the very first glance.
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#68
Watch
#69
The Scream
The Scream works as a gateway into Edvard Munch's universe: the palette, rhythm, and atmosphere blend together with such natural ease that they invite you to come closer.
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#70
The Embrace
In L'Étreinte, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#71
Lost
Égaré earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a true viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that shifts the tone of a wall.
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#72
Czech Heart
With Czech Heart, the painting does not merely seek to represent: it sets a mood. Alphonse Mucha leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#73
Family
Familie showcases an essential quality of Art Nouveau: light that flows through, a scene that breathes, and a composition powerful enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#74
Carmen
With Carmen, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec gives the subject a genuine decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image as a whole, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#75
The lumberjack
The Woodcutter works as a gateway into the universe of Ferdinand Hodler: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with such naturalness that they invite you to step closer.
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#76
Virgin
In Vierge, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#77
The Scream
The Scream earns its spot in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a true visual experience. It's exactly the kind of image that shifts the tone of an entire wall.
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#78
The Family
With La Famille, the painting aims for more than mere representation—it creates an atmosphere. Egon Schiele leaves enough breathing room to keep the work alive.
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#79
Sin
Péché highlights an essential quality of art nouveau: light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition bold enough to stay with you after the first glance.
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#80
Madonna of the Lilies
With Madonna of the Lilies, Alphonse Mucha gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You take in the image first, then the details begin to speak to one another.
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#81
Love
Love works as a gateway into Gustav Klimt's universe: the palette, rhythm and atmosphere blend with such natural ease that they draw you in.
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#82
Émilie
In Émilie, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it's painted. The canvas preserves that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#83
Lake Geneva from Chexbres
Lake Geneva from Chexbres earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#84
Apollon
With Apollo, the painting doesn't merely aim to represent—it creates an atmosphere. Odilon Redon leaves enough breathing room for the work to remain alive.
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#85
The Scream
The Scream showcases an essential quality of Art Nouveau: a light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition powerful enough to stay in memory after the first glance.
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#86
Loving couple
With Liebespaar, Egon Schiele gives the subject a genuine decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image, then the details begin to speak with one another.
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#87
Pietà
Pietà serves as a gateway into Franz von Stuck's world: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere blend with such natural harmony that they draw the viewer closer.
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#88
Bohemian Song
In Chant de Bohème, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#89
The Hydra
The Hydra earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that shifts the tone of a wall.
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#90
The Bed
With *Le Lit*, painting doesn't simply aim to represent—it sets a mood. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#91
Boats
Barques highlights an essential quality of Art Nouveau: light that circulates, a scene that breathes, and a composition strong enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#92
Puberty
With Puberty, Edvard Munch gives the subject a genuine decorative presence without flattening it. You first take in the image, then the details begin to talk to one another.
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#93
The lyricist
The lyricist serves as a gateway into Egon Schiele's universe: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere blend together with just enough naturalness to draw you in.
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#94
Domino
In Domino, the appeal comes as much from the subject as from the way it's painted. The canvas preserves that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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#95
The Enchantress
L'Enchanteresse earns its place in this ranking because it transforms a recognizable scene into a true viewing experience. It's exactly the kind of image that changes the tone of a wall.
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#96
The Baby
With Le Bébé, the painting doesn't merely seek to represent—it sets a mood. Gustav Klimt leaves enough breathing room for the work to stay alive.
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#97
The Bed
Le Lit showcases an essential quality of art nouveau: light that flows, a scene that breathes, and a composition strong enough to linger in memory after the first glance.
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#98
Mystery
With Mystère, Odilon Redon gives the subject a true decorative presence without flattening it. You look at the image first, then the details begin to converse with one another.
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#99
Vampire
Vampire works as a gateway into the universe of Edvard Munch: palette, rhythm, and atmosphere come together with enough naturalness to make you want to step closer.
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#100
The Hermits
In Les Ermites, the appeal comes as much from the subject matter as from the way it is painted. The canvas retains that precious blend of culture, movement, and visual pleasure.
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Some useful entry points to continue exploring, without leading down any dead ends.
The masters of Art Nouveau
Collections & guides
FAQ
What is Art Nouveau?
It is a style from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that favors curved lines, vegetal motifs, stylized figures, and the union of fine art, poster design, decor, and applied arts.
Why is Mucha so closely associated with Art Nouveau?
Because his posters established a very popular image of the style: elegant feminine figures, decorative halos, arabesques, flowers, and vertical compositions. Mucha knew how to give advertising the manners of a great lady.
Is Klimt part of Art Nouveau?
Yes, particularly through his connection to the Vienna Secession, his decorative motifs, his gilding, and his love of stylization. For him, ornament almost becomes a character in its own right.
Why are there so many posters in this movement?
Because Art Nouveau runs through the graphic arts. The poster becomes a major field of invention: typography, silhouettes, flat areas of color, decorative rhythm, and visual humor come together with great confidence.
Is Art Nouveau closely related to Symbolism?
Often, yes. Some artists share mysterious, spiritual, or dreamlike subjects. Art Nouveau brings the decorative line; symbolism sometimes adds that little mental haze that fits just right.
Which artwork to choose for your decor?
Mucha works really well for an elegant, graphic atmosphere. Klimt brings more warmth and presence. Toulouse-Lautrec delivers a poster, theater, and nightlife vibe—without actually having to stay out late.
Is Art Nouveau suitable for a modern interior?
Yes. Its organic lines contrast beautifully with understated furniture, wood, metal, or white walls. It adds visual softness without becoming bland.
Why does this style still appeal so much?
Art Nouveau: the line takes its time
This Top 100 Art Nouveau brings together works where graphic elegance, decor, and mystery go hand in hand. You come for Mucha and Klimt, then stay for those flowing lines that turn a wall into a stage. Even the flowers look like they've rehearsed their entrance.
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